Andrew Jack “Sully” Sullivan

Andrew Jack “Sully” Sullivan passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2014, in Fort Worth. Graveside service: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 12, in Pioneer Cemetery in Graham. Memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at South Hills Christian Church, 3200 Bilglade Road, Fort Worth. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 11, at Brown, Owens & Brumley Funeral Home, 425 S. Henderson St., Fort Worth. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Alzheimer’s Association . Jack was born Jan. 30, 1924, in Eliasville, the youngest of five children of Sylvester and Marie Sullivan. He grew up in Graham and lived most of his life in Pasadena and Fort Worth. Jack joined the U.S. Army in November 1942, married the love of his life, Maureen Caskey Sullivan, in February 1943 and served our country proudly during World War II. As a glider mechanic in the 74th Troop Carrier Squadron, Jack served in England and France from 1943 until 1945. The relationship with his squadron buddies carried on through reunions well into the 21st century, and he treasured his bond with those war buddies and their families. This background also paved the way for his lifelong career in the aviation industry. Jack spent his career as a quality inspector for Convair (later General Dynamics) and at NASA, becoming instrumental in developing the life-support system backpack used by astronauts in spacewalks in the 1970s. He retired with Maureen to the life of a gentleman farmer near Graham for two decades before moving back to Fort Worth. Jack was an avid camper, traveler, square dance caller, jack-of-all-trades and the life of every party. A few years ago he received his 50-year pin from the Masonic Lodge, and he was very proud of that. But above all, he personified Christian values and was a devoted family man, imparting invaluable principles to his three sons. His love and devotion to Maureen was unconditional and inspiring, and he was immensely proud of his sons and their families. He leaves a legacy of kindness and generosity to all of those he touched. Rest in peace, Dad; we love you. The family would like to offer thanks for the wonderful care given to our dad by Wedgewood Nursing Home and Emeritus at Tanglewood Oaks, particularly to Carolyn, Virginia, Sabra and Lorenza. Survivors: Devoted wife of 71 years, Maureen; sons, Andy and wife, Sue, of Oklahoma City, Darryl and wife, Jeany, of Fort Worth and Tim of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Jacob Sullivan, Andy Sullivan, Matt Sullivan, Tyler Sullivan, Molly Sullivan Parker and Maggie Sullivan Thompson; great-grandchildren, Madeline Sullivan, Kylie Bly, Isha Sullivan, Sean Sullivan and Drew Parker; very special and loving niece, Melinda Nolan; and a host of other family, friends and loved ones.